Atlantic City Hosts Biggest Roof Solar Panel In US

A ceremony scheduled this Thursday, however, proves the Oceanside city as a likely good guy in the move to save the earth as it pioneers a massive solar energy project not yet seen in the US. The city’s convention center which is to be commemorated now sports what is known as the largest single-roof solar panel array in the country.

Once running the contraption is expected to produce 26 percent of the center’s electricity needs. The 13, 321 photovoltaic panels will cover most of the roof’s usable space and is expected to save the city close to 4.4 million over the next 20 years-equivalent to a reduced oil consumption of around 4956 barrels a year. This savings in dollars, however, does not equate to estimated 2349 tons of carbon dioxide it will help clear off the atmosphere.

The project at the convention center is a result of Governor Jon Corzine, who, with his energy master plan which took off in October, has been pushing for “innovative clean energy technologies and businesses”. The governor has been encouraging businesses around the area to look at solar options and with the convention center proving to be a perfect place for solar panels with its wide flat roof, the idea came into fruition.

To make the plan a reality, the convention center partnered with Pepco Energy Services from Arlington, Virginia. David Weiss, who is the president and COO of the company said that he thinks the project “is going to do a lot for reducing dependence on oil and will have all kinds of positive effects not only on geopolitics but on the cost of energy on the country”.

A city known for neon and bright lights, Atlantic City serves as an example to many cities in the US to embrace alternative sources of energy like solar power. Tom Hunton, CEO of American Capital Energy which is a subcontractor to the project expresses a positive view saying that “it’s just a matter of time” before this technology which is still too expensive for mass use will become a major source of power in the country.

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Chris is a one of the bloggers for Auto Parts for Brains, an automotive and technology blog which offers unique views on a variety of subjects automotive related or not. He currently is working in different locations and is a contributor to a slew of sites online. If not writing for Auto Parts Place, he wanders post apocalyptic Washington DC with his dog Dogmeat and Zombie friend Fawkes.